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Etiology of rickets in India

  • Symposium: Nutrition
  • Published:
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Abstract

Nutritional rickets is not rare among Indian children. The involvement of several protein components in the metabolism and function of vitamin D suggests that protein nutrition may influence the final expression of its biological activity. Experiments in rats maintained on rachitogenic/diet showed that administration of vitamin D or its metabolites elicited for better response in those fed on low protein (5%) than on adequate protein (18%). The vitamin D metabolism was found to be similar in both the groups. The super responsiveness to vitamin D or its metabolites in rats fed on low protein diet was due to increased receptor concentration in the intestine. Clinical studies indicated that the metabolism and function of vitamin D and also vitamin D binding protein concentration were not altered in malnourished children with or without rickets. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were found to be reduced in malnourished children without rickets as compared to normal children. Inadequate exposure to sunlight appears to be mainly responsible for rickets in children. In addition, malnutrition perhaps contributes to the development of the disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, Jamai Osmania P.O., 500007, Hyderabad, A.P.

    N. Raghuramulu (Deputy Director)

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  1. N. Raghuramulu
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Raghuramulu, N. Etiology of rickets in India. Indian J Pediatr 54, 521–527 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02749046

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02749046

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